Stars and Stripes Publisher Retires Amid Pentagon Differences

Max D. Lederer Jr., the longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement Tuesday, citing fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership.

Lederer, who has served as publisher since 2007 and is the second full-time civilian to hold the position, plans to retire on September 30. His departure comes amid reports that Pentagon officials had discussed firing him before his scheduled retirement. These discussions were part of a strategy to overhaul the military news outlet, which is partly funded by taxpayer money.

Lederer had been publisher for 19 years. The Trump administration is reportedly considering the overhaul. Stars and Stripes is described as the U.S. military’s independent newspaper.